Students benefit from Army ROTC in several ways. Generous Army ROTC scholarships are available and worth up to $17,000 at some schools. They are based on merit, not financial need. In the Army's view, merit can be summarized in a simple phrase: Student-Athlete-Leader. Participation in high school sports, student government, part-time employment, volunteer work, and, of course, academic achievement are all part of Army ROTC's definition of merit. The parameters are fairly flexible, but the selection process is competitive. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and either a 920 on the SAT or a composite score of 19 on the ACT. Army ROTC cadets also receive leadership training and experience that serve them well throughout their lives. Both military and civilian employers look favorably on the management and teamwork skills taught through the Army ROTC program.
ROTC cadets incur no military obligation during their freshman and sophomore years. Scholarship winners have no obligation for the first year only. In other words, if you earn an ROTC scholarship and decide the program is not for you after your first year, you can exit the program without any obligations to the Army. After graduation all ROTC cadets are required to fulfill their service commitment in the Active Army, Army National Guard, or the Army Reserve for an eight-year period. It is possible-even normal-to alternate the type of duty performed. An example would be three years spent on active duty and the five following years spent "inactive" in the Guards or Reserves as a "citizen soldier." Every cadet who continues on to become a commissioned officer participates in the Officer Basic Course, where they have their first specialized job training in the branch that they have chosen.
The ROTC curriculum is divided into two segments: the Basic and Advanced courses. Each takes two years to complete. This is done through training in leadership, management, small unit tactics, and a good number of outdoor field training exercises (called FTX's) that emphasize teamwork and competition. Expect to be challenged both physically and mentally.
College students whose 27th birthday* does not occur before their college graduation are eligible to enroll in ROTC. High school students who apply during their senior year are notified of acceptance by mid-November or mid-March, depending on when they apply. Scholarship applications should be requested between March 1 and November 1. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a minimum GPA of 2.5. Once on campus, other scholarship opportunities become available.
*An extension of the age requirement is available for prior active duty service personnel.
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